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The Newmark Retail Vitality Rankings 2025 have spotlighted Britain’s best shopping destinations, evaluating over 1,000 locations based on factors like vacant units, footfall, retail quality, and redevelopment activity. While Cambridge topped the list and London dominated the top 50, the West Midlands secured five spots in the 51–100 range, showcasing the region’s retail resilience despite challenges like empty shops. Birmingham led at 51st, followed by Shrewsbury, Leamington Spa, Lichfield, and Stratford-upon-Avon. Below, we delve into these destinations, highlighting their unique offerings and why they’re worth a visit, with additional insights into other regional hubs like Droitwich, Walsall, Burton upon Trent, Stourbridge, and West Bromwich. So whether you are after some new clothes or a top perfume like Born in Roma Donna at Parfumdreams, this is the guide for you.
Birmingham City Centre
Birmingham’s retail scene remains a powerhouse, anchored by the Bullring, home to the world’s largest Primark, Selfridges, and a two-storey Marks & Spencer. Recent revitalisation has filled key units: M&S occupies the former Debenhams’ lower floors, Pull & Bear and Bershka replaced Topshop, and Zara plans two new stores, alongside Toca Social’s arrival. Grand Central adds entertainment with Sandbox VR, while Lane 7’s bowling on Link Street complements dining options. However, New Street and High Street still grapple with vacancies, including the former Morrisons and the old M&S near Dale End, which may have capped Birmingham’s ranking. Despite this, 2024 saw a 12% footfall increase in the Bullring, per local reports, reflecting recovery from pandemic lows.
Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury’s charm lies in its blend of high street and independent retail, centred around The Darwin Centre, which hosts Primark, Home Bargains, The Entertainer, Smiggle, and JD Sports. The town’s cobbled streets are dotted with gift shops, jewellers, and boutiques, while Shrewsbury Market Hall offers artisan chocolates, second-hand books, games, and wines. Accessible in 50 minutes by train from Birmingham, Shrewsbury also boasts historical attractions like its 11th-century castle and former prison, ideal for a day trip. Its low 8% vacancy rate, compared to the UK average of 13.7%, bolsters its appeal, as noted in a 2024 Retail Gazette report.
Leamington Spa
Leamington Spa, a “swanky” commuter town with “Bridgerton vibes,” blends Regency elegance with modern retail. Its 500 shops and restaurants, all within a 10-minute walk in the town centre, include women’s boutiques overflowing with candles and pashminas, alongside high street brands. Out-of-town shopping parks add variety, while independents like Regency Flowers evoke the town’s historic charm. Leamington’s 2024 footfall grew 10% year-on-year, per local data, driven by its vibrant mix and proximity to Warwick and Coventry, making it a retail hotspot for locals and visitors.
Lichfield
Lichfield’s historic streets brim with character, offering quirky independents and chains. The Three Spires shopping centre houses over 50 retailers, including WH Smith, Ryman, and Bodycare, while gifts, antiques, and craft shops invite leisurely browsing. The city’s culinary scene shines, with Michelin-starred Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, Larder’s posh pub grub, and Brewhouse and Kitchen’s craft beers. Lichfield Cathedral, a must-visit, adds cultural depth. With a 9% vacancy rate, Lichfield’s compact, walkable retail core remains a draw, supported by a 2024 tourism boost of 15%, per Visit Lichfield.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, pairs heritage with diverse shopping. Antique nooks and gift shops line the town centre, offering unique trinkets, while the Maybird Shopping Centre features Asda Living, Matalan, Boots, and B&Q. Two Greggs outlets fuel shoppers exploring the Bard’s home or riverside walks. Stratford’s retail vitality is evident in its 11% footfall rise in 2024, per local council data, though its ranking reflects competition from larger centres. The town’s blend of culture and commerce makes it a standout day-trip destination.
Other Notable West Midlands Shopping Hubs
While not in the top 100, several regional towns offer compelling retail experiences:
- Droitwich: Saint Andrews Square Shopping Centre combines retail and leisure, with Morrisons, independent boutiques, and a heated outdoor Lido. Its compact layout and low 7% vacancy rate, per 2024 local surveys, make it a convenient stop for essentials and unique finds.
- Walsall: Park Place and Saddlers Shopping Centres, near the town’s Art Gallery, host retailers like Home Bargains and Iceland. Despite a 15% vacancy rate, Walsall’s proximity to Birmingham and affordable parking draw local shoppers, with 2024 footfall steady at 2 million annually.
- Burton upon Trent: The Octagon Shopping Centre features Costa, fashion stores, and dining options. Its central location and 10% vacancy rate support consistent footfall, bolstered by Burton’s brewing heritage and nearby attractions like the National Brewery Centre.
- Stourbridge: Ryemarket Shopping Centre, anchored by Waitrose, offers a bright, modern environment with independents and chains. Stourbridge’s historical glassmaking legacy, highlighted by the Red House Cone, adds cultural appeal, with a 9% vacancy rate reflecting retail stability.
- West Bromwich: Queens Square Shopping Centre prioritises safety with CCTV and on-site staff, hosting retailers like Bodycare and Virgin Media. A 14% vacancy rate poses challenges, but 2024 saw a 5% footfall uptick, driven by community-focused events.
Why the West Midlands Shines
The Newmark Retail study underscores the West Midlands’ retail potential, despite no top-50 placements. Birmingham’s ongoing Bullring revitalisation, Shrewsbury’s independent charm, and the cultural allure of Leamington, Lichfield, and Stratford reflect a region adapting to post-pandemic shopping habits. The 2025 UK retail sector shows cautious optimism, with a 3% rise in transaction volumes, per Cushman & Wakefield, driven by urban and tourist-driven locations. However, high vacancy rates on secondary streets, like Birmingham’s New Street, highlight the cost-of-living crisis’s impact, as noted by Newmark’s Andy Metherell.
Local sentiment on X echoes pride in Birmingham’s retail, with posts celebrating the Bullring’s Aston Villa flagship store opening in May 2025 and Primark’s enduring draw. Shrewsbury’s market hall and Lichfield’s dining scene also garner praise online, reinforcing their rankings. For shoppers, these destinations offer a mix of high street brands, independents, and experiences, from Stratford’s Shakespearean charm to Droitwich’s unique Lido.
Plan Your Shopping Adventure
Whether you’re hunting for luxury in Birmingham, vintage finds in Shrewsbury, or artisan gifts in Lichfield, the West Midlands delivers diverse retail experiences. Smaller hubs like Walsall and Stourbridge provide accessible, community-focused shopping, while Stratford’s historical backdrop adds depth. With 62% of UK consumers favouring local retailers in 2024, per Mintel, supporting these destinations fuels regional vitality. Check centre websites for parking and event details, and explore nearby attractions to make a day of it—your next retail adventure awaits in the heart of the West Midlands.
